In a thrilling comeback victory, the Florida Gators secured a spot in the Final Four after trailing late against Texas Tech in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region final. The celebration, initially unimaginable, erupted when Coach Todd Golden cut the final net, showcasing his enthusiasm with the iconic Gator Chomp to the roaring crowd. The Gators rallied from a nine-point deficit with less than three minutes remaining, ultimately triumphing 84-79.
Walter Clayton Jr. emerged as the hero for Florida by sinking two critical 3-pointers in the final moments. Reflecting on the victory, Clayton emphasized the team’s unity, explaining how they maintained focus and avoided blame during challenging times. Florida (34-4) executed a stunning comeback similar to what Texas Tech achieved in the Sweet 16 against Arkansas. Clayton’s crucial 3-pointer with just under a minute left gave the Gators a 78-77 lead, sealing the team’s first Final Four appearance since 2014 under Coach Golden’s leadership.
Coach Golden, elated at the conclusion of the game, expressed admiration for Clayton’s clutch performance, stating, “There’s not another player in America you would rather have right now than Walter Clayton with the ball in his hands.” The coach, who has deep ties to the Bay Area from his college days at Saint Mary’s and his coaching start at San Francisco, enjoyed a triumphant return as the final horn blew, and the team celebrated with zeal.
Florida now looks ahead to facing the South Region champion next Saturday in San Antonio. For forward Thomas Haugh, the victory was surreal, reminiscent of his youthful days watching the tournament in school. Clayton’s stellar performance capped at 30 points, leading the Gators with Haugh contributing significantly off the bench with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
Golden’s strategic decision to foul early in the game paid off, allowing the Gators to maximize possessions and ultimately outmaneuver Texas Tech. The Red Raiders, who rallied spectacularly from behind in their previous game, found themselves on the opposite end of a comeback this time. Darrius Williams, pivotal in Texas Tech’s last-minute plays against Arkansas, was unable to replicate that magic, expressing regret over missed opportunities.
With Texas Tech missing its shot at a second Final Four, Williams led his team with 23 points, supported by JT Toppin’s 20 points. Despite starting strong and capitalizing on turnovers, the Red Raiders could not sustain their lead gained midgame. The Gators, meanwhile, leveraged frequent trips to the foul line to maintain pressure.
Florida’s upcoming Final Four appearance marks the sixth in the program’s history. Under a different era with Coach Billy Donovan, the Gators clinched consecutive national titles in 2006 and 2007, and now, they aim to continue their storied tradition into this year’s tournament finale.